Places to Visit in Mauritius
Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth
Where Mauritius reveals millions of years of volcanic history.
Location
Chamarel, Southwest Mauritius
Recommended Time
2 โ 3 Hours
Best For
Nature, families & photography
Known For
Seven Coloured Earth
Also Includes
Waterfall viewpoints & tortoise park
Experience
Geology โข Nature โข Wildlife
Overview
Discover Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth
Hidden among the lush hills of southwest Mauritius, Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark is home to one of the island's most unusual natural landscapes.
Its famous dunes display naturally occurring shades of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow โ colours created through millions of years of volcanic activity, mineral transformation, erosion and changing climatic conditions.
But Chamarel is much more than its coloured earth. A visit also takes travellers through tropical landscapes to viewpoints overlooking the magnificent Chamarel Waterfall, before continuing toward the coloured dunes, giant Aldabra tortoises and other features of the Geopark.
For travellers interested in nature, geology, photography or simply seeing something completely different from Mauritius' beaches, Chamarel is one of the essential places to experience.
Millions of Years in the Making
Nature's own colour palette
Why Visit
Why Visit Chamarel?
Seven Coloured Earth
Discover the extraordinary volcanic dunes displaying naturally occurring shades of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow.
Chamarel Waterfall
Admire one of Mauritius' most spectacular waterfalls, plunging nearly 100 metres through lush tropical forest.
Volcanic Geology
Discover how volcanic activity, minerals, erosion and climate combined to create this remarkable landscape.
Giant Tortoises
Meet Aldabra giant tortoises within the Geopark's dedicated tortoise area.
MauTravel Experiences
Add More Adventure to Your Mauritius Holiday
Already exploring the southwest? Add one of these unforgettable MauTravel experiences to your day.
A Natural Geological Wonder
Seven Colours. Millions of Years.
The Seven Coloured Earth is one of Mauritius' most distinctive geological formations. Basaltic lava cooled and weathered over millions of years, while iron- and aluminium-rich minerals underwent different chemical transformations. Combined with erosion and Mauritius' tropical climate, these processes gradually created the striped, multicoloured landscape visitors see today โ one of the most photographed natural formations on the island.
Beyond the Coloured Earth
Meet the Tortoises & Discover Chamarel Coffee
Meet the Giant Tortoises
Beyond the coloured dunes, discover the Geopark's Aldabra giant tortoises โ among the largest land tortoises in the world and a memorable wildlife encounter within a visit otherwise centred on geology and landscapes.
Chamarel Coffee
Chamarel is also closely associated with coffee production. The area is home to Mauritius' only commercial coffee plantation, where guided experiences explore how coffee is cultivated, harvested and transformed from plant to cup.
Your Visit
More Than the Coloured Earth
Your entrance ticket gives you access to several incredible experiences within the Geopark.
Waterfall Viewpoints
Start your journey with spectacular elevated views over Chamarel Waterfall.
Seven Coloured Earth Dunes
Walk around the designated viewpoints overlooking the famous coloured dunes.
Aldabra Tortoise Park
Observe one of the world's largest living tortoise species up close.
Endemic Garden
Discover plants connected to Mauritius' unique natural environment.
Viewpoint Cafรฉ
Take a break overlooking the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Dunes Boutique
Browse locally inspired products and souvenirs before you leave.
How Did the Colours Form?
Created by Volcanoes, Minerals & Time
1
Volcanic Origins
Mauritius was formed through volcanic activity, leaving extensive basaltic material across the island.
2
Mineral Transformation
Iron- and aluminium-rich minerals within the volcanic material underwent chemical transformation over time.
3
Tropical Climate
Rainfall, temperature and Mauritius' changing climatic conditions gradually affected the exposed material.
4
Millions of Years
Erosion and weathering slowly revealed the distinctive coloured layers visible at Chamarel today.
Getting Around
Exploring the Geopark
Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth can be explored by car or, for more adventurous visitors, on foot.
By Car โ Chamarel Waterfall
Approx. 1.5 km from the entrance
EasyEnter through the drive-through ticket booth and continue to the waterfall viewpoints, with parking available nearby.
By Car โ Seven Coloured Earth
Approx. 3 km from the entrance
EasyContinue by car to the main coloured dunes viewpoints and parking area.
On Foot โ Full Return Route
Approximately 6 km return
ModerateMore adventurous visitors can walk from the entrance to the coloured dunes, passing the waterfall viewpoints along the way. This is optional, not a mandatory hike.
Natural Wonder
Chamarel Waterfall
Nearly 100 metres of falling water surrounded by tropical forest.
Before reaching the coloured dunes, visitors can stop at elevated viewpoints overlooking the magnificent Chamarel Waterfall. Fed by streams flowing through the surrounding landscape, the waterfall drops almost 100 metres over dramatic volcanic cliffs into the forest below. Two viewpoints look out over the tropical forest and volcanic cliffs, creating one of the most impressive waterfall scenes in Mauritius and an excellent stop for photography.
Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours
โ๏ธ October โ May
8:30 AM โ 5:30 PM
Last ticket purchase at 5:00 PM.
๐ค๏ธ June โ September
8:30 AM โ 5:00 PM
Shorter hours during the cooler winter months.
๐ Every Day
Open Sundays & Public Holidays
The Geopark welcomes visitors seven days a week, including public holidays.
The Geopark may close during cyclones, heavy rainfall or other unsafe weather conditions. Always verify current information before travelling.
Photography
Capture the Colours of Mauritius
Morning and late-afternoon light can provide particularly attractive conditions for landscape photography.
Coloured Dunes
Capture the contrast between the dune formations and the surrounding green vegetation.
Photography
Chamarel Waterfall
Photograph the waterfall framed by tropical forest from the elevated viewpoints.
PhotographyGiant Tortoises
Capture wildlife respectfully from the designated viewing areas of the tortoise park.
PhotographyTropical Landscapes
Photograph the elevated scenery and vegetation surrounding Chamarel.
PhotographyPrices
Entrance Prices
Non-Resident & Mauritian Resident Rates
Current official prices โ always check before travelling as rates may change.
Check Current Official PricesOpens the official park website (chamarel7colouredearth.com) in a new tab
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring sunscreen and drinking water
- Bring a camera for the dunes and waterfall
- Keep to designated paths and viewing areas
- Do not remove soil, plants or natural materials
- Picnics are restricted within the Geopark
- Domestic pets are not permitted
- Check weather conditions before travelling
- Allow around 2 โ 3 hours for a relaxed visit
- Entrance prices and opening hours may change
Geology
A Landscape Built by Volcanoes
Chamarel Waterfall flows across ancient volcanic formations.
The Geopark's landscape reveals two major lava layers visible around the waterfall โ an older, brecciated basalt layer beneath a younger lava formation.
Over millions of years, flowing water carved through this volcanic terrain, helping to shape the dramatic waterfall visitors see today.
Getting There
Need Transport to Chamarel?
Explore southwest Mauritius without worrying about driving or navigation. MauTravel can arrange private transportation and combine Chamarel with other beautiful destinations across the region.
Continue Exploring
Explore Southwest Mauritius
Continue your journey and discover more of the wild beauty of southwest Mauritius.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a natural geological formation in Chamarel where volcanic material has weathered into dunes displaying several distinct colours.
The Geopark describes shades of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow.
Yes. Current official Geopark information states that standard admission includes access to the Chamarel Waterfall viewpoints as well as the Seven Coloured Earth and tortoise park.
Chamarel Waterfall is nearly 100 metres high and is one of Mauritius' most impressive waterfall landscapes.
Around 2 โ 3 hours is appropriate for most visitors exploring the waterfall viewpoints, coloured dunes and other standard Geopark features.
Yes. The Geopark includes an Aldabra giant tortoise area.
No. The Coffee Plantation guided tour is a separate experience in the Chamarel area and may require an additional booking.
Yes. The Geopark is designed for visitors of different ages, although children should remain supervised around paths and viewpoints.
Yes. MauTravel can arrange private transportation and combine Chamarel with other southwest Mauritius destinations.
Ready When You Are
Discover the Colours of Mauritius
From volcanic dunes and giant tortoises to one of the island's most spectacular waterfalls, experience the extraordinary landscapes of Chamarel.